Nussbaum writes that all of the Major Networks’ new comedy pilots are, mostly, helmed by females and star a fresh sort of female lead. They each, in one way or another, present a more “hard-edged” woman. Gone are the days of the dough-eyed dork (although the sole exception, and Nussbaum acknowledges it, is New Girlsand happens to star just that in its’ lead Zooey Deschanel). What’s “exciting” is how this crop breaks free from former wimpy female leads of the past and instead depicts a grittier breed. Here we have the modern woman. More willing to declare her opinion. Move over Betty Draper, it’s Peggy-on-steroids time.

And my reaction? Meh.

It’s definitely refreshing to have more women on the screen and to have them in starring roles. But, have you watched the trailers for these shows? I mean, really? Uh-Oh. Yikes!

But, I’ll probably give them all a chance. I’m a fan of a lot of these female writers. Especially, New Girl scribe, Liz Meriwether. I also highly recommend Molly Mclear’s blog (she’s joined the writing room for 2 Broke Girls). I’m just really hoping these trailers are the worst of what’s to come and that we can expect more than these one-note, “unconventional” female leads.

]]>https://edubtv.wordpress.com/2011/08/24/great-lady-hope-of-hbo-eh/feed/0e-diddyrosiegirls-hbo-tv-showAMC: Home of Auteur-TVhttps://edubtv.wordpress.com/2011/08/21/amc-home-of-auteur-tv/
https://edubtv.wordpress.com/2011/08/21/amc-home-of-auteur-tv/#respondSun, 21 Aug 2011 23:58:25 +0000http://edubtv.wordpress.com/?p=1978This is an old article on AMC and its’ generation of TV Auteurs. It’s another example of letting creativity and passion reign, and reeling in success. But at what cost? Time to get back to streaming Mad Men on Netflix…
]]>https://edubtv.wordpress.com/2011/08/21/amc-home-of-auteur-tv/feed/0e-diddyA Day in the Life: Skins Writerhttps://edubtv.wordpress.com/2011/08/20/a-day-in-the-life-skins-writer/
https://edubtv.wordpress.com/2011/08/20/a-day-in-the-life-skins-writer/#respondSun, 21 Aug 2011 02:20:48 +0000http://edubtv.wordpress.com/?p=1971This is a pretty fabulous video following Daniel Kaluuya, one of the early generation of Skins‘ young scribes. He’s hilarious and it gives a nice peak into the process while still keeping enough up to the imagination.

I was particularly impressed with Kaluuya’s devotion to character. In his interview, the level of respect he has for character development is rather moving. I also appreciated how he managed to create an episode that maintained a proper Skins-ish level of dramatic depth seamlessly intertwined with its’ reliable and unabashed silliness.

Ediddy: highlight lines from last nights PLL – Emily is trying to study and Hannah is singing (they’re sharing a room, long story) and Emily goes, “I’m going to the library” Hannah, “you don’t have to” Emily, “No i do.” Hannah, “is it a gay thing?” Emily, “No. It’s a brain thing”

Slamwich: HAHAHAHA

Ediddy: right

Slamwich: To Hannah’s credit, studying is super gay.

]]>https://edubtv.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/1957/feed/0e-diddyAge Aint Nothin But a Number… Or Is It?https://edubtv.wordpress.com/2011/04/25/age-aint-nothin-but-a-number-or-is-it/
https://edubtv.wordpress.com/2011/04/25/age-aint-nothin-but-a-number-or-is-it/#respondTue, 26 Apr 2011 03:52:24 +0000http://edubtv.wordpress.com/?p=1801I recently read a witty review on the premiere episode of the American spin-off for the series, Skins. In the mostly spot-on review, it was made clear that one of the most charming, and more importantly, authentic characteristics of the high school set show is the use of age-appropriate actors and actresses. The show uses teens to play teens. Seems simple enough. Until the article lists, with no shame, the true ages of many actors and actresses playing teen-aged characters.

I’d be naive to presume adults weren’t hired for teenage roles. 20-somethings frequently play confused 16 year olds (see: every (!?) show on the CW). And sometimes that adult can really create something special with the character, regardless of their real-life familiarity with parachute pants.

But, it does say something, or at least surprises me to learn, when I watch a show on ABC Family about 16 year olds, I’m actually watching someone twice the age of her character. Am I duped by their skills or am I suspending my disbelief because it’s a silly television show? Do I prefer the glitz of someone pretty or the authenticity of someone true to their age?

It’s hard to say, but it’s definitely something to consider…

]]>https://edubtv.wordpress.com/2011/04/25/age-aint-nothin-but-a-number-or-is-it/feed/0e-diddyHeeyyyyyyy Duuuuuuude is coming to DVD!https://edubtv.wordpress.com/2011/04/18/heeyyyyyyy-duuuuuuude-is-coming-to-dvd/
https://edubtv.wordpress.com/2011/04/18/heeyyyyyyy-duuuuuuude-is-coming-to-dvd/#respondMon, 18 Apr 2011 15:09:54 +0000http://edubtv.wordpress.com/?p=1952“It’s a little wild and a little strange…” that this show is just now coming out on DVD.

I was a huge fan of Hey Dude, a short-lived Nick show from early 1990s. The show centered on a handful of attractive teens working at a dude ranch. Horse-related shenanigans ensued. For how much I hate farm animals and dust, somehow this show managed to be one of my favorites, second only to Roundhouse.

And come July 19, I will be able to revert back to my childhood whenever I want to. I don’t think the show will hold up, but it will take me back to a place when all I needed was an Ecto-Cooler juicebox, a twinkie and 30 minutes with my friends at the Bar None Dude Ranch.

Better watch out for those man eatin’ jack rabbits, and that killer cacti!